Hollins leads Gophers to victory against No. 20 Badgers in overtime, 58-53

Feb 14, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers forward Rodney Williams Jr. (33) grabs a rebound in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Williams Arena. The Gophers defeated the Badgers 58-53 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports

Andre Hollins didn’t have the best game, but was clutch in the final minutes of regulation and in overtime to lead the Gophers to a 58-53 victory over the rival Wisconsin Badgers.

Hollins scored seven of Minnesota’s nine points in overtime, hitting a three pointer to strike first in extra time to break a 49-all tie. Trevor Mbakwe then hit two free throws to put the Gophers up five before Hollins sealed the game with four made free throws.

The sophomore from Memphis finished the game with 21 points on 5-of-16 shooting along with five rebounds and three steals.

Minnesota’s win splits the season series with Wisconsin. The Gophers lost in Madison on Jan. 26 as the No. 12 team. On Thursday, the tables were turned as the Gophers were unranked and the Badgers cracked the AP Top 25 at No. 20.

The Badgers had the lead at half-time and maintained the lead throughout a majority of the game, but Wisconsin’s inability to score in the game’s final six minutes cost them in the end.

Wisconsin made only one field goal in the final 6:13 of regulation. The Badgers wouldn’t make another shot from the field until there was 10 seconds remaining in overtime.

Minnesota’s bench was unable to produce any statistics as they scored only two points off a pair of free throws from Mo Walker. In 32 minutes of play, the Gophers’ bench accumulated three rebounds and went 0-for-4 from the field while only committing one turnover.

Overall, the Gophers handled the ball well, committing eight turnovers as a team — only the second time Minnesota has had under 12 turnovers in Big Ten play this season.

Almost more importantly, point guard Hollins had zero turnovers in 43 minutes on the court.

The Gophers will travel to Iowa City for a match up with the Hawkeyes on Sunday at 1 p.m. CT.